Computer science is a field of study that focuses on the principles, theories, and applications of computing and information technology. It involves the use of algorithms, data structures, programming languages, and other computational tools to solve problems and develop new technologies. Computer science encompasses a wide range of topics, including software engineering, artificial intelligence, computer graphics, computer networks, databases, cybersecurity, and programming languages. It also involves the study of the mathematical foundations of computing, such as discrete mathematics, logic, and computational complexity theory.

If you are unsure that learning computer science is right for you, consider reading on to learn more about the myriad uses of computer science tools and techniques. Not only will learning computer science open up a number of new career opportunities, but it also has a lot of potential personal uses.

What is Computer Science?

Computer science is an immense field that encompasses the study of information systems, computation, and automation. Hardware and software design, machine learning algorithms, and data visualization fall under the computer science purview.

On the theoretical side, computer science includes information theory, algorithms, and computational theory. The practical side of computer science covers hardware and software design and implementation. While data science has emerged as a discrete discipline in recent years, many computer science pros still consider it a subcategory of the larger computer science field. 

Read more about what computer science is and why you should learn it.

Professional Uses for Computer Science

Computer science is used by many programming professionals and professionals who protect computer systems. Such careers include Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, and Web Developer. Read on to learn more about some of the specific computer science skills used in these professions. 

Develop and Maintain Software Applications

Software Developers and Software Engineers develop, maintain, and improve software for computers, mobile devices, and the web. Software Developers use computer science to write efficient and optimized code, solve complex problems, and create innovative solutions. They use their computer science skills to organize and store data, design, develop, and test software applications, create software capable of running on various platforms and devices, and to fix issues in software code. A Software Engineering Certificate program focuses on key computer science skills and tools needed to become a Software Engineer, including programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. 

Analyze and Extract Insights from Data

Data Scientists use computer science to analyze and extract insights from large and complex datasets. They leverage their knowledge of computer science principles, techniques, and tools to manipulate and process data, build statistical models, and create visualizations that help to communicate their findings. Some specific ways in which data scientists use computer science include cleaning data, building statistical models, building machine learning models, working with large and complex datasets that cannot be handled by traditional data analysis tools, create visualizations that help to communicate their findings to stakeholders, and working with large datasets in the cloud. If you want to learn data science, you can discover more about data science skills and careers through free resources online.

Protect Computer Systems Against Attacks and Viruses

Cybersecurity Analysts use computer science to protect computer systems, networks, and data from attacks, viruses, and other security threats. They use their knowledge of computer science principles, techniques, and tools to identify vulnerabilities in computer systems, design and implement security measures, and respond to security incidents. Their knowledge of computer science enables them to analyze and understand the techniques used by attackers to compromise computer systems, assess the security risks faced by an organization, design and implement security measures to protect computer systems and data, respond to security incidents, and ensure that computer systems and networks comply with regulatory and legal requirements. A cybersecurity bootcamp can help you gain cybersecurity skills and explore a career in cybersecurity.

Develop Websites and Web Applications

Web Developers use computer science to design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications. They use their knowledge of computer science principles, techniques, and tools to create dynamic, interactive, and responsive web content that can be accessed by users across various devices and platforms. They design user interfaces, create and manage the back end infrastructure of websites and web applications, manage and manipulate the content of websites and web applications, optimize the performance of websites and web applications, ensure the security of websites and web applications, and track and analyze user behavior on websites and web applications. If you want to learn web development, consider learning more about web development skills and careers.

Other Uses for Computer Science

You can also use computer science skills to start your own business, pursue creative endeavors, or help others in your community. Read on to learn some of the additional ways you can put computer science skills to use. 

Create Your Own Website or Ecommerce Store

Have you ever wanted to start your own business? You can use computer science skills to build your own website or create your own ecommerce store. You can make sure customers have a positive experience from start to finish by using your knowledge of: 

• Responsive design
• Front end and back end web development programming languages
• Ecommerce platform security features
• Website optimization 
• Tracking and analyzing user behavior

Earn Income as a Freelancer

You can use computer science skills to work as a freelance Web Developer, Data Scientist, or Software Engineer. Some people choose to pursue freelance work as an extra source of income, while others turn freelancing into a full-time career. 

Become a Mentor or Instructor

Do you enjoy teaching or mentoring? You can use computer science skills to not only advance your own career, but to advise others in your field or industry. You can find paid work as a hired mentor or Computer Science Instructor. You can also volunteer to teach computer science skills to children or adults. There are many ways you can use your knowledge of computer science to help others.

Learn Computer Science Skills with Noble Desktop

If you want comprehensive computer science training in an interactive environment, check out the Full Stack Web Development Certificate from Noble Desktop. If you are looking to become a Software Engineer, consider enrolling in Noble’s Software Engineering Certificate program. If you focus your computer science training on the subcategory of data science, Noble Desktop’s Data Science Certificate gives you the skills you need for an entry-level position. High school students preparing for the AP Computer Science exam can benefit from Noble’s live online computer science NextGen Bootcamps.

Key Takeaways

• Computer science concerns the study of computers and computational systems.
• Computer science professions include Web Developer, Software Engineer, Cybersecurity Activist, and Data Scientists.
• You can also use computer science skills to create your own website or ecommerce store, become a freelancer, or become a mentor/instructor. 
• You can receive comprehensive computer science training through Noble Desktop, either in person or online.